*Michigan
*Statewide
*April 1, 1999
*MIST990401
-Transcript
hotline: Michigan
number: 616/471-4919
to report: 616/471-2617 or lovecreek@qtm.net
compiled: April 1, 1999
compiler: Kip Miller
Greetings,
This is the Michigan Statewide Weekly Bird Summary for Thursday April 1,
1999. This report is sponsored by the BERRIEN BIRDING CLUB.
First of all, a long list of such early spring migrants as COMMON LOON,
PIED-BILLED GREBE, TREE SWALLOW, COMMON SNIPE, both YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL
SANDPIPER, EASTERN PHOEBE, FOX SPARROW, EASTERN MEADOWLARK, and most of
the usual ducks were reported from multiple locations in the southern
Lower Peninsula in the past week. To find many of these and others, it
seems you only need to get out now and visit your favorite early spring
birding areas....
In INGHAM COUNTY -- a ROSS’S GOOSE has been reported regularly this week
at the MSU water quality ponds at the intersection of Jolly and College
Roads.
In MONROE COUNTY -- 2 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen at the Pt.
Mouille State Game Area on March 31 flying from the Long Pond Unit to
the Lead Unit. A few of the other species reported from Pt. Mouilee
included SNOW GOOSE, TUNDRA SWAN, GREAT EGRET and SHORT-EARED OWL. At
the Erie Marsh Preserve (Gun Club) at least 17 species of waterfowl were
present on March 27, along with such shorebird species as GREATER and
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, DUNLIN, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
In WAYNE COUNTY -- at least 2 LONG-EARED OWLS remained present at Lake
Erie Metropark as of March 31 (along the nature trail that begins across
the parking lot from the Marshland Museum) and a WESTERN MEADOWLARK is
still being reported from the Willow Run Airport.
In JACKSON COUNTY -- a RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at the north end of
Wampler’s Lake on March 28.
In ALLEGAN COUNTY -- a PEREGRINE FALCON was seen along the Douglas
shoreline on March 28
In MUSKEGON COUNTY -- a NORTHERN SHRIKE was still reported at the
Muskegon Wastewater Facility on March 27, along with many waterfowl and
most of the other early migrants mentioned earlier. Also on the 27th a
LITTLE GULL was reported from the Second Street Landing in North
Muskegon.
In MANISTEE COUNTY -- 350 OLDSQUAW were seen offshore of Inspiration
Point, to the north of Arcadia on March 27. On Portage Lake, 18 species
of waterfowl, including 400 TUNDRA SWANS were seen on March 28.
Speaking of TUNDRA SWANS -- tens of thousands (!) are reported staging
along the Saginaw Bay shoreline in TUSCOLA and western HURON COUNTIES.
At the Fish Point State Wildlife Area in TUSCOLA COUNTY a NORTHERN
SHRIKE was present on March 26, but few waterfowl were seen on the
inland fields.
In CHIPPEWA COUNTY -- a number of early migrants are now showing up
around Whitefish Point. The Hawk migration continues with the most
notable numbers being RED-TAILED and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS. COMMON REPOLLS
and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to be seen daily, but with less frequency
and in smaller numbers.
That seems to be it for now. (Thanks to all who called or e-mailed
reports.) The next scheduled update of this report will occur on April
8. To report sightings leave a message after the tone or call Kip Miller
at Love Creek Nature Center at (616) 471-2617.
Thanks for calling and good birding.